Rexford Bridge: Before-and-after look

REXFORD — Construction of the Rexford Bridge is scheduled to end on time and within budget, according to state Department of Transportation officials.

The new span that connects Schenectady and Saratoga counties over the Mohawk River will be complete by the end of the year for a total cost of $32.5 million, as expected. According to DOT spokesman Bryan Viggiani, crews are finishing up final items, including general cleanup, drainage touch-ups and landscaping.

Motorists have been able to use the bridge since late July. In addition to the wider span — the previous bridge carried just two lanes of traffic, while the new bridge has four, in addition to a dedicated bicycle/pedestrian walkway — motorists also must navigate a two-lane roundabout at the south end of the bridge.

Initial reports indicate congestion on Balltown Road has eased since the opening of the roundabout and the addition of turn lanes at Highway 146 and Riverview Road.

Drivers aren’t the only ones pleased to see the construction come to an end. The Stewart’s Shop at Highway 146 and Riverview Road took a hit in its sales, particularly for its grab-and-go items, like coffee, food and gas.

Access to the shop was limited for nearly a year, but business has bounced back over the past few months, likely due to normalized traffic, though D’Amelia noted it’s hard to tell for sure.

The Stewart’s Shop at Routes 146 and 146A in Clifton Park closed and was torn down earlier this year to make way for a new store to open in December. D’Amelia said there is no way to tell how many of that location’s customers are patronizing the shop in Rexford.

“We realize it was temporary,” D’Amelia said. “We’re happy to have the end in sight and for the other Clifton Park store to open.”

It was not immediately known if there will be an official ribbon-cutting on the new bridge.